Illuminations/Wishes Cruises

[sem4iu]

I have read many remarking how great the Illuminations cruise is so I am seriously thinking about doing this our next trip. I do have a few questions and wonder if anyone has recently done it can help....

Does the boat park directly under the bridge or to which side (more BW area or Epcot)?

Is there any obstruction of view from the bridge?

Is it possible to squeeze 13+the captain aboard? I am looking at 8 adults, 4 teens (ages 13-16) and 1 four year old.

Is there anything similar to this for lagoon area of MK to view WISHES?

:overhere:

Shannon

[Keith]

We've done the illuminations cruise most times we've been there and love it.

The boats park directly under the bridge yep all in rows and I've never had a view obscured by the bridge nope. People have said that sometimes low smoke obscures the view but again, I haven't experience that either.

It's been an absolute pleasure everytime and my fave way to watch illuminations :)

[Ilovetink]

I believe the limit is 12 people. It was wonderful though

[Mickeymac]

There is an alternative for the Wishes fireworks, and with your party size, I would highly recommend it. The teens would get a kick out of it, and it would be loads of fun for the four year old. You would have to register with the Grand Gatherings program, as it's only available to groups of 8 or more. It's called the Magical Fireworks Voyage, although I refer to it as the "Peter Pan Cruise." It's $32.99 per person, and includes about 90 minutes to two hours worth of entertainment.

You meet either on the concourse at the Contemporary, or outside behind that resort. While you are there, you dine on all kinds of wonderful desserts, listen to pirate themed music, and just hang out as a family. Next, Captain Hook and Mr. Smee show up and joke with you, or take pictures, do whatnot. Then, your Pirate Guide "Patches" comes out and leads you to your "ship," often in song. Smee and Hook wave you away.

Once onboard the ship, they lead you through the rules, which you are to abide by, or you'll 'walk the plank.' They have songs, trivia, and stories, and there is a lot of interaction with the crowd. They recognize birthdays, anniversaries, and try to recognize special events. You then pull alongside the Electric Water Pageant and watch the show from your boat. After that, they pull parallel to the Magic Kingdom, they pipe the park music in, and you're watching the fireworks show. It's wonderful.

At the end of the cruise, you are met by Peter Pan and often "Tinkerbell" who are there to sign autographs and take pictures. I'm told the Tink is a flitty kind of thing and temperamental to the weather, so you're lucky if she's out.

I highly recommend this. It's also very difficult to get into.

[PaulaK]

How far in advance can you book magical gatherings MM pretty please? :D

[Johnie]

There is an alternative for the Wishes fireworks, and with your party size, I would highly recommend it. The teens would get a kick out of it, and it would be loads of fun for the four year old. You would have to register with the Grand Gatherings program, as it's only available to groups of 8 or more. It's called the Magical Fireworks Voyage, although I refer to it as the "Peter Pan Cruise." It's $32.99 per person, and includes about 90 minutes to two hours worth of entertainment.

You meet either on the concourse at the Contemporary, or outside behind that resort. While you are there, you dine on all kinds of wonderful desserts, listen to pirate themed music, and just hang out as a family. Next, Captain Hook and Mr. Smee show up and joke with you, or take pictures, do whatnot. Then, your Pirate Guide "Patches" comes out and leads you to your "ship," often in song. Smee and Hook wave you away.

Once onboard the ship, they lead you through the rules, which you are to abide by, or you'll 'walk the plank.' They have songs, trivia, and stories, and there is a lot of interaction with the crowd. They recognize birthdays, anniversaries, and try to recognize special events. You then pull alongside the Electric Water Pageant and watch the show from your boat. After that, they pull parallel to the Magic Kingdom, they pipe the park music in, and you're watching the fireworks show. It's wonderful.

At the end of the cruise, you are met by Peter Pan and often "Tinkerbell" who are there to sign autographs and take pictures. I'm told the Tink is a flitty kind of thing and temperamental to the weather, so you're lucky if she's out.

I highly recommend this. It's also very difficult to get into.

I was lucky enough to go on this. It was WONDERFUL!!!!! Well worth every penny.

[kiltedwarrior]

I was lucky enough to go on this. It was WONDERFUL!!!!! Well worth every penny.

Yup, we did this also and it really was a treat, highly reccommend it! :bigsmile:

[Mickeymac]

Paula, it's 90 days +/_ (depends on when they drop the info into the system,so not an exact science). I would love to sign up to go again. I thought the boats were limited to 12 people, but they can handle much more.

[PaulaK]

Thanks MM :thumbs: I was thinking of booking Tony's under a gathering in October. I just know if we took Cal on the cruise she'd need a potty stop within minutes :lol:

[Josette]

I never got the oppertunity of doing this, because we typically leave before the fireworks, because then everyone comes zooming out of the parks, and it gets crazy.

[Mickeymac]

Paula, they make a big to-do out of announcing a potty stop. It's a riot. Also, kids might be entertained so much they wouldn't even ask. You're only on the boat for about 45 minutes. Ya gotta try it. :D